3 Best SARMs for Cutting (Based on Efficacy and Toxicity)

As a potential medical treatment for cachexia, researchers developed selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) to mimic the muscle-building effects of anabolic steroids. Thus, SARMs’ main function is to increase anabolism.

What is the mechanism by which SARMs enhance fat loss?

SARMs possess lipolytic properties due to stimulation of androgen receptors. We find most SARMs can reduce overall body fat by 2–3% from a standard cycle. However, the SARMs and compounds listed below have more potent effects on reducing adipose tissue.

Below are the three best SARMs for cutting in terms of fat loss and muscle retention when in a calorie deficit. Certain compounds are commonly referred to as SARMs but are not. We also include these in our list to give our readers information on the effects of these related substances.

1. Cardarine

Cardarine, or GW-501516, is not a SARM but instead a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD) agonist.

It was recently formulated in 1992 as a potential medicinal treatment for:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hyperlipidemia

Fat loss

Cardarine possesses exceptional fat-burning properties, making it one of the most potent lipolytic compounds that exist today, alongside triiodothyronine (T3) and clenbuterol.

Cardarine burns fat by improving:

• Insulin sensitivity
• Glucose tolerance
• Lipid balance

Thus, by reducing the body’s utilization of glucose, it shifts from burning stored fat as its main energy source.

Muscle endurance

Cardarine also has profound effects on muscular endurance due to its induction of mitochondrial biogenesis and remodeling of muscle tissue.

Clinical research has shown that Cardarine can convert fast-twitch fibers to slow-twitch fibers, delaying the onset of fatigue during aerobic activity.

Slow-twitch fibers have superior efficacy in the utilization of oxygen due to elevated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the muscles.

One study observed a 68% increase in muscular endurance when mice took Cardarine for 3 weeks (1).

Not only is Cardarine capable of burning fat directly, but it also changes the body’s primary source of energy. But it also causes fat loss indirectly by increasing calorie expenditure and the metabolic rate. This occurs due to users performing longer workouts because of enhanced endurance levels.

After researchers observed the potent effects of Cardarine on muscular endurance, athletes started taking it to gain an advantage over their competition. This inevitably led to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banning Cardarine and placing it in the hormones and metabolic modulators category.

• We find Cardarine’s positive effects on fat loss and muscular endurance can largely be maintained post-cycle if users continue exercising and eating in the same vein.
• Muscle memory also plays a role in cementing improvements in endurance, which typically remain significantly enhanced compared to pre-cycle levels but less so than on-cycle.

Muscle hypertrophy

Cardarine also possesses mild anabolic properties, with phase 2 studies recording a 1.3 kg increase in muscle when taking 10 mg/day of Cardarine for 12 weeks (2).

In our experience, substantial increases in muscle hypertrophy should not be expected; however, there is evidence that Cardarine will aid in the retention of muscle tissue when cutting.

Cholesterol

Cardarine makes for an excellent option when stacking with SARMs due to its positive effects on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

SARMs produce a negative effect on blood lipids. Cardarine can aid in cardiovascular health, thus making it a suitable stacking option in conjunction with SARMs to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

How much weight can users lose on Cardarine?

• The above user ran Cardarine for 12 weeks, starting at 10 mg/day for the first week and at 20 mg/day for the remaining 11 weeks.
• He lost 40 pounds and an estimated 10% of his body fat. He did not report any notable side effects.

• The above user lost 20 pounds and 5% of body fat from a 4-week cycle on 10 mg/day of Cardarine

This cautious cycle may reduce cancer risks by halving the common dosage and cycle length. However, until further research is completed, we do not have sufficient information to know how carcinogenic this dose is.

What are the drawbacks of Cardarine?

Carcinogenic

• Preclinical trials have shown that Cardarine possesses carcinogenic effects. This conclusion was after researchers gave rats exceptionally high doses at 5 mg/kg per day continuously over 2 years.
• This dosage translates to 500 mg/day for a 100-kg human. However, the average dosage taken by men today is 10–20 mg/day.
• Furthermore, the average Cardarine cycle duration is approximately 8 weeks. Thus, the 2-year cycle administered to rodents was excessive and translated as a third of their lifespan.

Currently, there are no human studies that demonstrate any carcinogenic risk of Cardarine when taken in the dosages users administer today for cosmetic purposes. Cardarine, however, should be avoided by those who have been diagnosed with cancer proliferation, as it can make their condition worse.

Until more research is completed, it is unknown how much of a cancer risk Cardarine may be to humans.

Liver toxicity

• In human phase 1 and 2 studies, conservative dosages of Cardarine did not produce any significant fluctuations in alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) liver enzymes.

However, Dr. Thomas O’Connor has described the hepatotoxic effects of a standard dosage of Cardarine (up to 20 mg/day) to rival 50 mg/day of Anavar. This is notable hepatotoxicity, at least in the short term. Such conflicting experiences may be due to Cardarine causing cellular proliferation.

Thus, if an individual has existing hepatic issues from steroid use and then utilizes Cardarine, their existing liver injury may exacerbate.

Equally, those with fully functioning livers taking conservative dosages are likely to experience minimal to no hepatotoxicity.

• In summary, individuals should ensure that their liver is in optimal condition before taking Cardarine or any SARMs.
• Furthermore, we find that taking 500 mg/day of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) inhibits potential hepatic inflammation and strain on-cycle.

2. Ostarine

Ostarine, otherwise referred to as MK-2866, is one of the best SARMs for cutting or bulking, as it simultaneously enhances fat loss and muscle building.

Ostarine burns fat via two chemical pathways:

1. Stimulation of androgen receptors
2. Improvements in insulin sensitivity

Both of these mechanisms promote reductions in subcutaneous and visceral fat mass.

Ostarine builds muscle by stimulating androgen receptors while also enhancing satellite cell cycle activation, causing increased myonuclei in the muscle cells.

• When bulking, we have seen users build up to 10 pounds of lean muscle on Ostarine.
• When cutting, users can expect a notable decrease in adipose tissue while increasing muscle definition.

Our patients have reduced their body fat percentage by approximately 3% from an Ostarine cycle.

Ostarine thus simultaneously produces a bigger, leaner, and stronger physique.

Women also commonly take Ostarine, as it does not typically cause any virilization effects.

Anecdotally, we observe that women significantly increase their lean body mass on Ostarine, with increases of approximately 20 lbs, demonstrating superior results compared to men. Thus, Ostarine is more anabolic in females, possibly due to females having significantly less endogenous testosterone.

How much weight can users lose on Ostarine?

The above user took Ostarine for 45 days, at 20 mg/day. He lost 7 pounds in weight yet gained a notable amount of muscle mass.

• When attempting to gauge how effective a SARM is, the scales are an ineffective measuring tool.
• Alternatively, the mirror can provide a more accurate illustration, as well as before and after pictures.

The downside with scales is that someone could gain 10 pounds of muscle and lose 11 pounds of fat, and there would be minimal fluctuation in body weight. Yet, in the mirror, there would be a significant difference.

The above user cycled Ostarine for 6 weeks and lost 13 lbs. His starting dosage was 12.5 mg/day for week 1, which increased to 25 mg/day for the following 5 weeks.

Despite experiencing no obvious side effects, he achieved noteworthy results, including:

• Fat loss
• Improved muscle definition
• Enhanced vascularity

This user said he did not notice any improvements in muscle hypertrophy; however, he credits Ostarine for preserving his muscle throughout an aggressive cutting cycle.

If users eat with an excessive calorie deficit, muscle loss can become apparent when cutting. In such an instance, Ostarine users may be able to maintain their size. However, if a modest 500-calorie deficit each day is adopted, we find results in muscle hypertrophy are still possible with Ostarine.

The above user took 20 mg/day of Ostarine for 8 weeks and lost 23 pounds.

• He adopted a calorie-deficit diet during his cycle, contributing to some of the subcutaneous fat loss.
• This user does not appear to have built any additional muscle mass, despite his muscle tone significantly improving.
• He credits Ostarine for preserving his muscle hypertrophy and strength, as he was cutting on just 1,800 calories per day.

This user experienced temporary hepatotoxicity during his cycle, with his ALT levels rising to 57 IU/L. This is approximately 30% higher than standard levels.

He also reported feeling tired and having decreased well-being following cycle cessation. This perception was contrary to a sense of euphoria felt on-cycle. After testing his testosterone levels, he was clinically diagnosed as hypogonadal and consequently offered testosterone replacement therapy.

Should men on Ostarine notice their testosterone levels drop significantly post-cycle, they should utilize post-cycle therapy and cease taking all SARMs or anabolic steroids. Thus, testosterone should be avoided in such an instance, as it will exacerbate endogenous testosterone.

What are the drawbacks of Ostarine?

In our experience, Ostarine produces the least toxic effects compared to other SARMs, resulting in some referring to it as the safest SARM. However, it is important to note that the FDA has yet to approve Ostarine, and thus it remains a research chemical. Thus, Ostarine and other SARMs cannot clinically be considered safe at this current time.

Testosterone suppression

• Anecdotally, it is common for weightlifters to experience normal energy, well-being, nocturnal erections, and libido when taking standard dosages of Ostarine, up to 25 mg/day, for 6 weeks.
• However, notable suppression is still possible on Ostarine, with some users suffering from low testosterone post-cycle.

One user’s testosterone fell to 148 ng/dL after taking Ostarine for 8 weeks at 20 mg/day. This is almost 100 ng/dL lower than the lower average testosterone range for his age.

Cholesterol

We see Ostarine harming HDL, with research showing a 3 mg/day dosage can reduce levels by 27%. Furthermore, this is a low dosage by bodybuilding standards, with men taking up to 20 mg/day and women up to 10 mg/day.

• Our lipid profiles show that Cardarine and other SARMs raise blood pressure because they are oral compounds and thus pass through the liver upon entry.
• Consequently, this process stimulates hepatic lipase, a liver enzyme that reduces HDL cholesterol.

Thus, men and women should be cautious of this side effect by increasing the frequency of cardiovascular exercise and supplementing with 4 g/day of fish oil.

Several estrogenic and androgenic side effects, including the following, are possible with Ostarine due to its indirect effect on natural aromatization and 5α-reductase levels:

1. Sore nipples
2. Hair loss
3. Acne vulgaris

3. Stenabolic

Stenabolic, or SR9009, is not officially a SARM but a REV-ERB agonist.

REV-ERB is a protein that modifies the circadian rhythm. These compounds are essentially formulated to induce wakefulness during daylight hours.

Fat loss

We find REV-ERB agonists affect lipid and glucose metabolism, inducing an elevated BMR and enhancing fatty acid oxidation.

Stenabolic, when taken correctly to maximize bioavailability, can be viewed as a potent alternative to Cardarine.

In one study, mice were injected with Stenabolic for 7 days, causing a reduction in total fat mass (3). Interestingly, their food intake was unaltered, indicating direct fat-burning effects from Stenabolic, regardless of individuals eating in a calorie deficit.

Furthermore, genetically obese mice also stopped gaining weight after 12 days on Stenabolic, without their tolerance of insulin or glucose being impacted.

Endurance

• Stenabolic increases mitochondrial content in muscle cells, enhancing muscular endurance in users.
• This can provide a further indirect fat-burning effect in active individuals due to increased calorie expenditure, as their workout durations are likely to increase.

Biological availability

We have found that Stenabolic’s effectiveness is largely determined by a user’s administration method. Most individuals take Stenabolic orally in liquid form due to its easy and effective route of entry.

However, taking Stenabolic sublingually is significantly more effective than instantly swallowing it. The liquid should therefore be positioned beneath the tongue for ten seconds before swallowing to maximize absorption. This method circumvents first-pass metabolism, enabling rapid drug entry into the bloodstream.

Stenabolic tablets are also widely used, yet they are not recommended due to a low biological availability. Thus, the body will only be able to absorb a fraction of the compound, and the results will be extremely minimal.

Some users choose to inject Stenabolic, which is the most optimal form of administration for maximum absorption. However, injections may not be a superior method of administration compared to taking Stenabolic sublingually, based on our testing.

Cholesterol benefits

Stenabolic, unlike SARMs, offers cardioprotective properties due to its suppressive effects on LDL cholesterol (4). Thus, Stenabolic is not cardiotoxic and may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction from SARMs, with the latter reducing HDL levels.

• Stenabolic possesses a half-life of 4–6 hours. Thus, to maintain peak concentrations of this compound in the bloodstream, users should take 3 dosages per day in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
• Stenabolic is commonly taken in dosages of 20–30 mg/day, with a cycle duration of 8 weeks.

What are the drawbacks of Stenabolic?

Despite often being referred to as a SARM, Stenabolic does not duplicate the side effects of SARMs. At present, we have found no cardiac (5), hepatic (6), or hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis-related risks associated with Stenabolic.

• It is common for users to notice a lack of adverse effects on Stenabolic. However, some users may experience increased sweating or mild insomnia.
• Thus, taking the final dosage in the early evening a few hours before sleep is optimal, compared to later at night.

As Stenabolic remains a research chemical, it cannot be considered safe, as we do not fully understand the long-term implications of human use at this time.

FAQs

How do cutting SARMs compare to cutting AAS?

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) have comparable lipolytic effects compared to the SARMs and associated compounds mentioned in this article.

We have found that steroids will significantly decrease testosterone production, while Cardarine and Stenabolic do not affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA).

The risks of anabolic steroids are more established, whereas SARMs remain as research chemicals due to their more recent discovery.

Can cutting SARMs be combined with AAS?

Several of our patients have stacked SARMs with AAS. We have found this to increase fat burning and anabolism, at the consequence of more pronounced adverse effects.

How can users enhance fat burning when cutting with SARMs?

We have found that eating in a modest calorie deficit to be optimal for enhancing fat loss and muscle retention from SARMs. Although SARMs reduce subcutaneous fat, results are unlikely to be significant if users are not diligent with their diet and workout routines.

Cutting SARMs vs. Clenbuterol: How do they compare?

• In our experience, both can produce advantageous outcomes in terms of reductions in fat mass.
• However, Clenbuterol can cause cardiac complications, specifically concerning arrhythmias.

SARMs used for cutting can cause different complications, such as Ostarine causing hepatic strain, increased cholesterol, and impairment to the HPTA.

Summary: What is the best SARM for cutting?

We want to warn our readers against having the mindset of any SARM being advantageous or “the best,” as they pose several risks to human health.

• However, the best compound for cutting, purely in terms of fat loss, is Cardarine.
• The best SARM regarding burning fat and retaining muscle when cutting is Ostarine.
• The best compound for maximizing fat loss, with the most optimal safety profile and fewest side effects, is Stenabolic.

However, due to limited human research, Stenabolic may be causing toxicity to the body that users are not currently aware of. Therefore, it and the other compounds mentioned in this article cannot be considered “mild” or “safe” from a physician’s perspective.

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